upon taking office, he faced the largest per capita deficit in the country. total debt of about three point -- $3.5 billion. he did several terms as mayor of stamford, connecticut, promising to make 2012 the year of education. in connecticut, he tackled a reform agenda in a state that has long been known for one of the nation's widest racial achievement gaps. the governor took the lead in passing one of the nation's more dramatic education bills. it was public act 12116. some of the packages required a new teacher evaluation pilot in which 45% will be based on student learning. the governor's package created a commissioner's network similar to the recovery school district. it has the ability to take authority over 25 of the state's lowest performing schools. today, 11 have been entered into that network. an increased charter school funding. the figure will go to $11,500 by fiscal 2015. with that, let me turn the microphone over to the governor. it is all you. [applause] >> it is great to be with you. i appreciate the opportunity to speak about an issue that i